Given the glorious sunshine that preceded it, Sunday morning came as a stark contrast, as six GoodGymers huddled under big coats or in their cars to avoid the cold and the drizzle.

Three, winding laps awaited the runners, taking in all the hilly goodness that the Abbey Fields has to offer. Thankfully, the lack of rain in the weeks before meant that conditions underfoot were good.

At 9:30 precisely the race got underway, with some superb marshaling provided by the members of Kenilworth Runners, the organisers of the event, who were quick to offer words of encouragement to the weary runners.

This was certainly one of the hardest races I've ever done, but the atmosphere, the organisation and the unique terrain has convinced me to sign up for next year! I'll need to fit more hill reps into my training though...